Native American Wind Farms

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Wind Turbine Project is the first large-scale Native American-owned and operated wind turbine in the country.

Figure 6-30

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Wind Turbine Project

Photo courtesy of the Intertribal Council On Utility Policy

Figure 6-30

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Wind Turbine Project

Photo courtesy of the Intertribal Council On Utility Policy

Located on the Rosebud Sioux reservation in south-central South Dakota, the project had been stalled for over a year as funding and energy sales issues were addressed. With a long term contract with NativeEnergy, complementing a short term sales option retained by the Tribe for a portion of the wind turbine, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe proceeded with final construction financing and placed the turbine order. The project was completed in February 2003. Since it has proved to be successful, many more turbines will be constructed and put into operation, and funds are being raised for Phase 2 (http://www.nativeenergy.com). Our Native Americans may well begin to enjoy the status and economic rewards of becoming our nation's largest energy producer, competing with the likes of nuclear and coal fired power plants that now dot the same landscape.